Varicose veins of the lower extremities: symptoms and treatment

what comes to our mind when we hear the wordVaricose veins"? First of all, the ugly legs are purplish blue, covered with many nodules and a network of blood vessels visible through the skin. Many of us consider varicose veins to be a specialized cosmetic pathology that requires no specialTreatment. There is a view that you can live with varicose veins for many years and that the disease does not progress or cause serious consequences, just an external defect. Unfortunately, this view is not only false, but dangerous.

In order to understand why varicose veins are dangerous, is there any way to avoid it, why the disease must be treated already present, and most importantly, how to treat it, we sought advice from a phlebologist. We discuss the mechanisms of disease onset, methods of prevention, lifestyle features in which this diagnosis exists, and modern methods of correction.

What are varicose veins

Varicose veins are a disease that has been known to mankind since ancient Egypt. Archaeological excavations have confirmed the existence of pathology between the contemporary pharaohs and the builders of the famous pyramids. Hippocrates and Avicenna, recognized as the best physicians of antiquity, were looking for a successful cure for varicose veins. What happens to varicose veins? Why does this disease occur?

Normally, in the human body, blood flows from the bottom up through the veins - from the tissues to the heart and lungs, and the contraction of our muscles helps with this. But since gravity affects every aspect of human existence, liquids logically tend to descend. Special valves in our blood vessels don't allow her to do this. They open in the direction of blood flow and close to keep it out. Thus, the blood is directed where it is needed under the "sensitive guidance" of the valves present in the veins.

But many times, for some reason, the operation of the valves is disrupted, they don't close completely, and blood still flows down through the veins. Blood vessels cannot hold all the blood, they stretch and protrude above the skin with nodules. Most of the time, the outer thin veins in the legs are affected by this, resulting in "varicose veins" disease.

cause of disease

There are many causes of varicose veins, and they are all well known in medicine.

1. genetic predisposition.Genetics is one of the most common causes of the disease. Scientists have identified the so-called "varicose vein gene" that is responsible for its appearance. Therefore, if your relatives have any vein problems, it is necessary to get checked by a phlebologist as soon as possible. After all, the disease can manifest at any time, even at a very young age. Varicose veins are insidious because obvious symptoms appear much later than the disease itself.
2. Weaknesses of vessel walls and valve devices.Many chronic diseases (pyelonephritis, rheumatism, hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc. ), hormonal changes and metabolic disturbances, unhealthy lifestyles, physical inactivity, lower extremity injuries, women taking hormonal contraceptives can cause this condition.
3. Occupations related to prolonged inactivity(standing or sitting). Programmers, drivers, hairdressers, salesmen, joiners, carpenters and many others are at risk of varicose veins.
4. pregnantThe risk of "earning" varicose veins during pregnancy increases significantly, even if there is no genetic cause of the disease in the mother's medical history. Why does it happen? The synthetic "pregnancy hormone" affects smooth muscle and relaxes the tension in the vein walls. Circulating blood volume increases, thereby increasing pressure on vessel walls and valve devices. A woman's rapid weight gain during pregnancy can put unusually strong pressure on the legs and, therefore, the veins.
5. excess weight.As the weight increases, the vessel wall deforms due to the high load, and the pressure on the vessel and surrounding tissue increases. With excess weight, blood pressure rises, blood flow to the heart becomes difficult, and venous congestion occurs.
6. gender and age.According to statistics, more than 70% of varicose vein cases occur in women of childbearing age. But cases of the disease are not uncommon among men, children and adolescents. Therefore, if any disturbing symptoms occur, regardless of the patient's gender and age, a phlebologist should be consulted.

symptoms of disease

As we said above, early illness is asymptomatic or masquerades as ordinary fatigue: Legs humming after a long day at work, but by morning or after a long rest, it's all gone. Convulsions, itching and burning sensations in the lower extremities, and a feeling of heaviness may also occur at night. Often, these symptoms are not cause for concern and are seen as mediocre overwork. The early stages of varicose veins do not reduce a person's physical activity or force him to make lifestyle changes.

Later, with the development of the disease, the symptoms will become more obvious: vascular network and nodules appear in the lower extremities, swelling that does not subside after prolonged rest, severe pain on short walks, forcing people to change their usual rhythm of life and reduce physical activity to a minimum. Causes more severe blood stagnation, which worsens the disease.

Why are varicose veins dangerous?

In addition to the obvious negative consequences of cosmetic defects and the inability to continue a normal lifestyle, complications from varicose veins can be dangerous.

• Venous bleeding.It occurs when the normal connective tissue of the blood vessel wall gradually changes its properties, becoming fragile and inelastic. Even the slightest physical exertion (eg, coughing or sneezing) can cause blood vessels to rupture and lead to serious consequences in the form of bleeding.
• Eczema and Dermatitis.Occurs due to prolonged hypoxia due to impaired blood supply. On the skin of the limb affected by the varicose veins, small bubbles, scales, crusts and intense itching appear.
• Thrombophlebitis.This is a severe chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the veins of the lower extremities with thrombosis in the lumen. In most cases, thrombophlebitis is caused by varicose veins. The disease is accompanied by elevated body temperature to 38-39°C, acute arcuate pain in the affected area, persistent edema, and complete limitation of motor activity.
• Necrosis and trophic ulcers.One of the most serious complications of varicose veins. This pathological process occurs in the context of thrombophlebitis, when metabolism is disturbed due to inflamed varicose veins and the tissue experiences prolonged hypoxia. As a result, areas of dead cells appear on the surface of the skin, which eventually turn into large ulcers. Nutrient ulcers are difficult to treat, and the average treatment cycle for such ulcers and necrosis is 3-4 months.
• Thrombosis.The most dangerous complication of varicose veins. This pathological condition is characterized by the formation of blood clots in deep veins, disrupting blood flow. Deep vein thrombosis is dangerous, first and foremost, because during the most mundane family activities, the clot can rupture, blocking the pulmonary artery or other vital blood vessel and causing death. Deep vein thrombosis means that the patient's motor activities are restricted for life.

It should be noted that all serious consequences of varicose veins occur in the context of lack of treatment or due to incorrect treatment of the disease.

How to treat varicose veins?

The disease is difficult to treat, and even with careful and adequate treatment, it recurs in 80% of cases because deformed blood vessels cannot return to their original shape under any circumstances. But you need to treat varicose veins! Serious consequences and even death can result due to the advanced stages of the disease. The combination of modern methods of treating and preventing varicose veins can prevent the development of the disease and the appearance of serious complications. Modern medicine offers several ways to treat this disease.

1. Compression therapy.It is carried out with the help of special compression underwear. The basis of treatment is the creation of pressure on the lower extremities. Thanks to this treatment, venous circulation is improved, valve function is restored, excess fluid is drained, the venous pressure in the legs drops several times, the joints become more flexible, and the rate of blood outflow increases. Compression therapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in addition to other treatments for varicose veins. Compression underwear can only be prescribed by a doctor!
2. medical treatment.Prescribed by doctors to relieve symptoms of disease, reduce blood viscosity, improve blood vessel elasticity and regeneration, promote metabolism and prevent thrombosis.
3. Sclerotherapy.This is an innovative, minimally invasive technique with the undoubted advantage of not only having great cosmetic results, but also significantly reducing the symptoms of the disease. Sclerotherapy is by far one of the most effective ways to combat varicose veins and related dysfunction. The procedure involves using a syringe with a thin needle to introduce a special solution into the damaged vein. The injected drug sticks the blood vessels together, preventing blood circulation in the blood vessels. This is the main goal of manipulation - to remove problem areas from general circulation.
4. operation treatment.It occurs when the disease significantly impairs quality of life and threatens the development of dangerous complications. In most cases, surgical intervention involves several different approaches simultaneously, with the primary goal of reducing disease symptoms, improving the patient's quality of life, and preventing complications.

There are many effective ways to treat varicose veins in modern medicine. The main content of the doctor's appeal is: Do not self-medicate! Consult a phlebologist (vascular surgeon) when the first unpleasant symptoms appear, such as leg heaviness and pain, nighttime cramps, vascular network formation, etc. The doctor will perform tests and, if necessary, prescribe additional tests and treatment.